Savor Dinner in the Fresh Air at One of These Eateries in Austin

It’s hard to beat outdoor dining in South Congress, Austin. The weather cooperates all year long, so there’s always enough sunshine to enjoy a meal out on a patio, deck, or sidewalk. Plus, there are many beloved eateries in the South Congress neighborhood that offer high-quality cuisine and outdoor dining spaces. If you’re new in town, grabbing some grub at each of these fine establishments is an excellent way to meet people in your community and to get a feel for the local food scene. Take a few minutes to learn about our top picks for outdoor dining near you and be sure to make reservations at one or two of these fine eateries.

Good Burger

No quest for the best outdoor restaurants in South Congress, Austin is complete without stopping for a fresh, juicy burger. Pay a visit to Hopdaddy Burger, the top choice for craft burgers and beer in your neighborhood. The burgers are ground and handmade by the Hopdaddy culinary team and then paired with a wide assortment of locally brewed beers. Plus, all of the burger and beer choices may always be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area situated in front of the restaurant. The next time you’re in the mood for a top-notch burger and frosty beer, head to Hopdaddy.

See Food

If you’re craving fresh seafood, South Congress residents know the top choice in the neighborhood is Perla’s on South Congress Avenue. Perla’s chefs devote their menu almost entirely to colorful dishes featuring ingredients from the sea, including their signature oak-grilled Hawaiian escolar and the seared rare spice ahi tuna. Make sure you save room for some fresh shells from the oyster bar, too, which come with horseradish, Mignonette, and cocktail sauce. Perhaps the best aspect of dining at Perla’s is that you can dig into your entree out on the restaurant’s lovely patio with a side of fresh air.

Time for Tacos

Texas puts its own spin on Mexican cuisine at its many Tex-Mex restaurants, including Guero’s Taco Bar. South Congress residents have been patronizing Guero’s since it opened in 1986, praising the caliber of its signature Tex-Mex eats. Chefs assemble their tacos using warm, house-made corn tortillas and fresh toppings, so you can expect yours to taste as though they were handcrafted in someone’s own kitchen. Plus, Guero’s is widely considered the best place in town to grab a perfectly sweet margarita to go with your meal. Patrons of Guero’s especially appreciate that they can enjoy their tacos and margaritas out on the patio, drinking in the balmy night breezes as they sip on Mexican cocktails. Stop by Guero’s Taco Bar for a night of Tex-Mex and fun the next time you’re craving tacos, tequila, and time with friends.

During your search for the best outdoor restaurants in South Congress, you may find it difficult to nail down any single eatery as your favorite. But that doesn’t mean you should call off the hunt—at which of these restaurants will you reserve a table first?